Hailsham Town 3 vs 1 Forest Row FC

On a stunning summer's evening of the wet, cold and damp variety, Frow made the trek to Hailsham for our second pre season friendly. Sitting four leagues above us in County 1, this was always going to be a big test for us, but we were determined to make a game of it.

It didn't look that way to begin with as we fell behind to an early goal after 3 minutes. With this in mind, it was even more credit to the lads for responding the way we did, when heads could have dropped. We stunned their bench into silence when debutant Ollie Monnery netted off a rebound from Holah's effort. 1-1 after 11 minutes.

Frow continued to impress, playing exquisite one touch football, much to the surprise of the opposition. In what could have been a romping, given the difference in club stature, we were really taking the game to them. We had a number of chances, including jinking runs from Monnery, and a delicate chipped effort just wide from Holah.

However, seemingly against the run of play, a fairly dubious penalty was awarded to Hailsham. They took the lead and then made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time. Frow were right to feel hard done by, after having the better of possession in the first half.

The second half was a more cagey affair, with not too many clear cut chances for either side. Again, Frow looked to have edged it, especially in the last 20 minutes. Needless to say, although a 3-1 defeat, we can take plenty of confidence in an excellent performance against a County 1 side.

Man of the match went to Ollie Monnery, and we wish Hailsham FC the best of luck for the season. We also pray that Tom Westpfel made it home safely from Norwich, after helpfully pulling out of the squad with just hours to go. God bless that man.